World Cancer Day urges the South West to unite

PEOPLE in the South West are being urged to show support on World Cancer Day for everyone affected by the disease.

Cancer Research UK is calling on men, women and children to wear one of the charity’s brightly coloured Unity Bands with pride on Monday, February 4.

Every hour, around four people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West.*

Wearing a Unity Band is a way of showing solidarity with people affected by the disease.

The wristband is available in three different colours – navy, blue and pink. It can be worn in memory of a loved one, to celebrate people who’ve overcome cancer or in support of those going through treatment.

By making a donation for a Unity Band, people across the region can also help to fund life-saving research to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Marked on February 4, World Cancer Day is designed to raise awareness of cancer and to promote its prevention, detection and treatment.

One in two people born after 1960 in the UK will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lifetime.

The good news is, thanks to research, more people are surviving than ever before. Survival has doubled in the last 40 years in the UK and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

But the charity needs everyone to act right now to help speed up advances which will enable people to spend more precious time with their loved ones.

Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, said: “World Cancer Day is a great opportunity for people to unite and show solidarity with everyone whose life has been touched by the disease.

“By raising money for life-saving research, a Unity Band is a powerful accessory in the fight against cancer.

“That’s why we hope people will wear theirs with pride, knowing they are helping to beat the disease. Small actions really can make a big difference.”

Unity Bands are available for a suggested donation of £2 from Cancer Research UK shops and online at cruk.org/worldcancerday